Carib Scope

标签： Jamaica

牙买加

  • ‘Why I backed the JLP’s crime plan?’

    ‘Why I backed the JLP’s crime plan?’

    In a significant political development, Government Senator Keith Duncan has publicly articulated his rationale for endorsing the Jamaica Labour Party Administration’s crime prevention blueprint, despite his lineage to the opposing People’s National Party. The revelation came during Friday’s Senate session where Duncan detailed his conversion after intensive consultations with National Security Minister Dr. Horace Chang and former Police Commissioner Major General Antony Anderson.

    Duncan, appointed to the Senate by Prime Minister Andrew Holness following the September general elections, recalled his initial skepticism during his 2019 tenure as president of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ). Amid widespread criticism about the government’s perceived lack of strategic direction against crime, Duncan sought direct engagement with security leadership rather than joining popular criticism.

    The senator described being presented with the comprehensive ‘Plan Secure Jamaica’ framework, which outlined multi-faceted approaches including social transformation initiatives, modernization of police forces, military reforms, and legislative enhancements. Duncan emphasized the plan’s detailed resource allocation strategies covering both financial investments and human capital deployment.

    Central to Duncan’s endorsement was the creation of Project Star – a public-private partnership developed collaboratively with police leadership that operationalized community safety measures through the Jamaica Constabulary Force’s Community Safety and Security Branch. The senator specifically highlighted the Zones of Special Operations (ZOSOS) as evidence of structured socio-economic transformation efforts in vulnerable communities.

    Citing unprecedented crime reduction statistics showing murders dropping below 700 annually for the first time in three decades – representing over 40% reduction compared to previous years – Duncan urged nationwide support for the continuation of these strategies. He framed crime reduction as a national imperative requiring collective action similar to Jamaica’s achievement of macroeconomic stability through fiscal responsibility.

    The senator acknowledged that not all security measures would enjoy universal approval but maintained that governing requires making difficult decisions. Duncan concluded that demonstrated leadership in executing this comprehensive strategy has produced measurable results that justify sustained implementation and broader societal support.

  • Not so Grand Market for St Elizabeth

    Not so Grand Market for St Elizabeth

    The historic Jamaican tradition of Grand Market faces severe disruption in St Elizabeth this Christmas Eve, with local business leaders predicting a dramatically scaled-back celebration due to ongoing recovery efforts from Hurricane Melissa’s devastation.

    Howard Hendriks, President of the St Elizabeth chapter of the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce, revealed that approximately 93 establishments in the parish remain non-functional or severely compromised since the October 28 storm. The hurricane’s impact has particularly affected the three major towns that traditionally host the vibrant celebrations—Black River, Santa Cruz, and Junction.

    Black River’s commercial district remains at a complete standstill, while Santa Cruz experiences significantly slowed business activity. This has shifted commercial momentum to Junction, which has unexpectedly become the parish’s primary commerce hub as it was cleared of debris earliest.

    “The biggest Grand Market in Jamaica you can ever see is in Santa Cruz,” Hendriks told the Jamaica Observer. “Santa Cruz is always full on Grand Market night, and I don’t envision seeing that capacity of crowd this year because you need businesses to sustain it.”

    The tradition of Grand Market dates to colonial times when enslaved Africans were granted limited freedom during Christmas to sell surplus produce and handmade goods. Today, it transforms town centers into all-night street fairs featuring last-minute shopping, street food, music, and festivities that often continue into Christmas morning.

    Hendriks described the likely scenario: “It may be a minuscule version of Grand Market because people are going to want to get some things, but you have to have electricity to have the sound system going to build that party vibe.”

    The recovery disparity between urban and rural businesses has become particularly apparent. Small businesses—including grocery shops and bars that operate “hand to mouth”—face existential challenges without access to formal banking support or disaster recovery resources.

    “The recovery for the small business sector is non-existent,” Hendriks explained. “These people don’t really go to the bank to borrow money to sustain their business. They rely on informal financial systems like round robin and partna draws, which have been completely disrupted.”

    Energy infrastructure remains a critical obstacle, with generator costs running approximately $5,000 Jamaican dollars per night for fuel—an unsustainable expense for businesses already struggling with transportation challenges for perishable goods into hill communities.

    Hendriks has engaged with the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) to address recovery needs, but acknowledges that without restored electricity and substantial support, “commerce is basically totally ripped up, and we don’t know when it will return.”

  • Carl Meeks rides timeless beats with ‘Classeeks’

    Carl Meeks rides timeless beats with ‘Classeeks’

    Veteran dancehall artist Carl Meeks has unveiled his latest musical project, “Classeeks,” marking his second album release for 2025. The collection debuted on December 12th under the RubADub MKRT label, with production handled by French music producer Cedrik “Kiko” Ynesta.

    True to its evocative title, the album serves as a deliberate homage to dancehall’s foundational years. Meeks and Ynesta have carefully selected thirteen tracks built upon iconic riddims that have shaped the genre across four decades. These include legendary rhythmic patterns such as Throw Me Corn, Movie Star, and Mr Bassie—each reimagined for contemporary audiences while preserving their original character.

    The conceptual framework originated from Ynesta, who proposed revisiting these timeless musical foundations that first captivated Meeks during his regular attendance at dancehall events in 1970s and 1980s Kingston. The North Carolina-based artist acknowledged the emotional resonance of these productions, stating: “These riddims are so special because that’s where dancehall music started, so it gives me that vibe.

    Among the standout tracks is “What’s Going On,” a collaborative piece with deejay Screechy Dan currently gaining traction within music circles. The album also features previously released singles including “No Regrets,” “Ram Dance Master” featuring Johnny P, and “Walking Dead” with Derrick Parker.

    Meeks first rose to prominence in the late 1980s through hits like “Weh Dem Fah” and “Youthman,” both produced by Hugh “Redman” James during the peak era of Redman International’s influence. This new release follows Meeks’ “Legendary” album from eight months prior, produced by Big Bout Ya Records.

    Ynesta’s production strategy deliberately bridges generational divides, seeking to introduce classic sounds to newer audiences while allowing longtime fans to rediscover their musical heritage through fresh compositions. Meeks explained the curator’s vision: “He wanted to capture the younger audience and let the older ones indulge in the new songs on these riddims. I select the artistes knowing that they are vintage singers just like the riddims and also artistes I admired.”

  • Uplift dreams of international success with Fantasy

    Uplift dreams of international success with Fantasy

    Jamaican-Canadian dancehall performer Uplift is projecting international stardom through his latest collaborative single “Fantasy” featuring Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Pupa Tee. The track, born from transcontinental digital collaboration, represents a strategic fusion of Caribbean and African musical traditions.

    Uplift revealed the organic evolution of the project, explaining how the initial demo composed years earlier found its perfect counterpart in Pupa Tee’s Afrobeat influences. “Our online connection transformed into creative synergy when he embraced the demo version,” Uplift recounted. “The final mix immediately convinced us we had crafted something with genuine global appeal.”

    Released through his independent label Uplift Entertainment, the single arrives accompanied by visually captivating footage shot in Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling cultural capital. The production showcases authentic African landscapes while maintaining dancehall’s distinctive rhythmic foundation.

    Current metrics substantiate the artist’s optimism. Strategic promotional campaigns across Jamaica, Canada, African markets, the United States, England, and European territories are generating substantial traction. Spotify streaming data reveals a remarkable surge over the past eight weeks, with parallel growth observed across Uplift’s broader discography. YouTube viewership metrics similarly demonstrate encouraging engagement patterns.

    The St Elizabeth-born, Canada-based artist simultaneously confirmed development of multiple new projects scheduled for 2026 releases. While remaining discreet about specific details, Uplift hinted at potential EP or album releases alongside additional singles, positioning the coming year as potentially transformative for his artistic career.

    Previous notable works include collaborative tracks “Infinite” with reggae vocalist Hezron, “Call Me” featuring Tallis, and the solo effort “Ride With Me,” all contributing to his expanding international footprint.

  • How Excelsior exploited JC’s weaknesses to win Manning Cup

    How Excelsior exploited JC’s weaknesses to win Manning Cup

    In a stunning upset that crowned a new champion, Excelsior High School’s football team has ended a 21-year title drought by capturing the prestigious Manning Cup. Their victory over the heavily favored Jamaica College (JC) on Friday evening was orchestrated by Coach Keon Broderick’s meticulous preparation and tactical ingenuity.

    Broderick, who described waking up Saturday as ‘one of the happiest and proudest persons in the country,’ revealed to the Jamaica Observer that a crucial video session on Thursday identified two critical weaknesses in JC’s seemingly impregnable system. ‘How we set up to play JC and everything that we planned actually came to fruition,’ Broderick stated, emphasizing the perfect execution of their strategy.

    The tactical breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Excelsior’s high press forced a turnover in JC’s defensive third. Kivann Salmon dispossessed Dujoni Thompson, setting up prolific striker Kimarley Scott for his 20th goal of the season. This play directly resulted from Broderick’s analysis of JC’s build-up from the back strategy.

    Excelsior’s second goal in the 96th minute demonstrated further strategic insight. Recognizing JC’s defensive vulnerability against aerial threats, left-back Shamarie Chambers launched a long throw that left goalkeeper Mashell Dennis stranded, allowing Salmon to tap home the insurance goal.

    Despite JC creating numerous scoring opportunities throughout the match, Excelsior’s defensive organization and tactical discipline prevailed. ‘JC threw some things at us where nobody else did throughout the entire season,’ Broderick acknowledged, ‘and the boys were able to cope with that.’

    The victory marks Excelsior’s eighth Manning Cup title and represents a transformative moment for the school community. Broderick, a past student himself, expressed hope that this achievement would ‘motivate students to become the best version of themselves’ and elevate the institution both academically and athletically.

  • ISSA’s plate may be crowded, but its capacity to cope is beyond doubt

    ISSA’s plate may be crowded, but its capacity to cope is beyond doubt

    In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa’s late October devastation, Jamaica’s educational community has demonstrated remarkable resilience through the timely resumption of interscholastic athletics. The decision by the Inter-secondary Schools Sports Association (ISSA) to proceed with championship events has provided both participants and spectators with crucial psychological relief during recovery efforts.

    Child development specialist Professor Maureen Samms-Vaughn of The University of the West Indies recently emphasized the therapeutic value of recreational activities, noting that “children who play are more resilient to toxic stress and can better cope with adversity.” This psychological principle appears equally applicable to adolescents and adults, with competitive sports serving as both participatory and observational stress-relief mechanisms following traumatic events.

    The organizational achievement of ISSA deserves particular recognition given substantial logistical challenges. Despite Hurricane Melissa’s disruption during peak competition season, the association successfully orchestrated multiple championship matches before term conclusion. Friday’s netball championships featured defending senior champions Holmwood Technical against Gaynstead High, while Wolmer’s Girls’ faced Denbigh High at junior level.

    Football championships reached their climax with St. Elizabeth Technical High School (from hurricane-ravaged St. Elizabeth) confronting Glenmuir High in Saturday’s rural daCosta Cup final. The urban Manning Cup final showcased Jamaica College versus Excelsior High at identical venues. Supplementary competitions included Cornwall College versus Clarendon College for the Ben Francis Cup and St. Catherine High’s victory over Mona High in the Walker Cup.

    The hurricane’s scheduling impact will extend into January 2025, with the prestigious Olivier Shield matchup between Manning and daCosta Cup champions scheduled post-holiday break. The Champions Cup for top rural and urban schools may follow, creating unprecedented scheduling density when combined with traditional early-year track, field and cricket events. ISSA’s demonstrated organizational capability suggests readiness for these compounded challenges.

  • Bridge of Compassion’s hurricane relief event set for Sunday

    Bridge of Compassion’s hurricane relief event set for Sunday

    The Canadian community is mobilizing for an international relief effort as Bridge of Compassion prepares to host “Sip & Sing: Jamaica Relief Edition” this Sunday. The event, organized by Cara Burke of Showtime Services, will transform Tiara & Tuxedo Event Space in Woodbridge, Ontario into a hub of philanthropy and entertainment on December 21.

    This innovative fundraiser specifically targets housing insecurity faced by a single mother and her family in Whitehouse, Westmoreland, Jamaica. The evening’s proceeds will directly fund construction of a two-bedroom home, addressing critical living conditions that have resulted from sustained hardship.

    The event design combines entertainment with purpose, featuring hosted karaoke sessions by the dynamic Linky Links alongside various interactive games. For a $30 admission fee—available through Eventbrite or at the door—attendees will experience an atmosphere charged with community spirit and musical celebration.

    Beyond the entertainment lineup, the event will offer refreshments for purchase and complimentary finger foods (while supplies last). Participants are further encouraged to contribute non-perishable food items and diapers to amplify the relief impact.

    This humanitarian initiative enjoys substantial community backing from multiple sponsors including Uncle Delroy’s, Take a Sip, Ocha Restaurants, Jamaica House Jerk, and numerous other local businesses and organizations.

    Event curator Cara Burke emphasized the direct impact of contributions: “We invite everyone to come out, have fun, and support a cause that truly matters. Every ticket and donation goes directly toward providing relief to this single mother facing hardship in Jamaica.”

    Tiara & Tuxedo owners Elizabeth Hollo and Stephanie Pereira-Ferreira expressed their privilege in facilitating cross-border assistance: “We are delighted to be part of this initiative, especially at this time of year. Having the opportunity to help in Jamaica whilst here in Canada is truly a privilege.”

    The Bridge of Compassion organization continues its mission of fostering global community connections through targeted charitable events and direct relief operations, demonstrating how localized efforts can create international impact.

  • BIG BOYS RUMBLE!

    BIG BOYS RUMBLE!

    The National Stadium prepares to host a monumental clash in Jamaican schoolboy football as undefeated St Elizabeth Technical High School (STETHS) confronts Glenmuir High in the ISSA daCosta Cup final this evening at 6:00 pm. This championship duel represents a classic showdown between STETHS’s impeccable defensive record and Glenmuir’s proven resilience, setting the stage for a tactical battle between two battle-hardened squads.

    STETHS enters this final pursuing a historic achievement: becoming the sixth team in recent history to complete an entire season undefeated while simultaneously chasing their sixth hold on the prestigious daCosta Cup trophy. Their campaign has been characterized by defensive mastery, conceding merely six goals across 19 matches while keeping 13 clean sheets. Coach Omar ‘Rambo’ Wedderburn emphasizes that statistical dominance means little unless players “follow instructions” and “carry out their responsibilities” effectively in the championship decider.

    Standing opposite them is Glenmuir High, a three-time champion program that has established itself as the most consistent rural area school over the past three seasons. Despite winning back-to-back ISSA Champions Cup titles, Glenmuir seeks redemption after suffering heartbreak in last year’s daCosta Cup final and semifinal exits in previous campaigns. Their journey to this final demonstrated remarkable character, rallying from a goal deficit to defeat Dinthill Technical 2-1 in Wednesday’s semifinal clash.

    The narrative extends beyond the pitch, with both teams overcoming adversity beyond athletic competition. Their seasons were extended by several weeks due to Hurricane Melissa’s late October passage, which left trails of destruction across Jamaica, adding emotional weight to their championship pursuits.

    Glenmuir’s evolution under Coach Andrew Peart, who now prepares for his second final in three seasons, reveals a team transformed since their humbling 2-6 defeat to Clarendon College three years ago. Peart notes their semifinal comeback exemplifies newfound resilience: “We can win in more ways than one — whether we lead from the start or we have to come from behind.” His tactical emphasis focuses on starting stronger, controlling game tempo, and converting opportunities clinically.

    The match also represents a regional power shift challenge. Clarendon-based schools have dominated the past six daCosta Cup titles, with Clarendon College claiming four and Garvey Maceo securing two. STETHS, as the only St Elizabeth school to win since 1964, last raised the trophy in 2015, making this final an opportunity to break Clarendon’s stronghold on rural schoolboy football supremacy.

  • Rickey Teetz ready for ‘High Flight’

    Rickey Teetz ready for ‘High Flight’

    Jamaican dancehall artist Rickey Teetz is generating significant anticipation for his forthcoming single ‘High Flight,’ while simultaneously engaging in substantial humanitarian efforts following Hurricane Melissa. The track, produced by Streetfame Productions, has already created substantial buzz through social media previews on TikTok and Facebook, with early listeners hailing it as a potential chart-topper. Capitalizing on this momentum, Teetz has confirmed plans to film a music video for the project in January, following successful live performances at the ‘Wild Out’ and ‘Bee Hive’ events in mid-December.

    Beyond his musical endeavors, Teetz has emerged as a significant voice in post-hurricane recovery efforts, emphasizing the particular impact on children. ‘Like COVID, this hurricane experience is something new to them,’ he noted, urging Jamaicans to support youth during the rebuilding process that may affect lifestyles for six months or more.

    The artist has personally distributed relief packages to communities across Lethe Hanover, Westmoreland, and St. James, but maintains a principled stance against what he terms ‘publicising philanthropy.’ In an era where charitable acts are frequently documented for social media, Teetz consciously avoids recording his assistance efforts. ‘Calling attention to your generosity shifts the focus from the person in need to the giver’s own image and self-interest,’ he explained. ‘I could not find the heart to do videos or pictures because no one put themselves in this distress.’

    Teetz, previously recognized for his work with Montego Bay’s homeless and mentally challenged populations, emphasizes the importance of preserving dignity and privacy even during crises. He acknowledges the widespread nature of the hardship, noting that even those with financial resources struggled to access basic necessities due to non-functional ATMs in the hurricane’s aftermath. This perspective informs his commitment to discreet philanthropy as he prepares to intensify both his musical career and humanitarian work in the coming year.

  • EAGLES RISE!

    EAGLES RISE!

    Excelsior High School triumphed over Jamaica College (JC) with a decisive 2-0 victory in the ISSA Wata Manning Cup final at the National Stadium on Friday, ending a two-decade championship drought. The long-awaited win marks their eighth Manning Cup title, with their previous victories dating back to 1953 and 2004.

    The breakthrough came in the 57th minute when Kimarley Scott demonstrated clinical precision, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Excelsior’s relentless pressure. JC’s commitment to playing out from the back proved costly as their midfield was dispossessed, allowing Scott to strike decisively from inside the penalty area.

    As regulation time expired, Shamarie Chambers—whose long throws had threatened throughout the contest—delivered another spectacular service that Kivann Salmon converted in the 96th minute, securing the victory beyond any doubt.

    The match began as a tactical battle between two impeccably coached sides. JC, undefeated throughout the season until this final, created several promising opportunities. Jamone Lyles fired over the crossbar in the 10th minute, while Duwayne Burgher missed narrowly from close range nine minutes later. JC’s Dontae Logan and Malique Bucknor also orchestrated dangerous attacks that ultimately failed to produce goals.

    Excelsior’s strategy leveraged long balls and set pieces to exploit Scott’s speed and technical ability, consistently testing JC’s defensive resolve. Meanwhile, Chambers’ prodigious throw-ins created persistent problems for Jamaica College’s backline.

    The victory carries particular significance for Excelsior, who suffered defeats in last year’s Walker Cup and Under-16 finals. For Jamaica College, the loss represents their first and only defeat of the season, despite having beaten Excelsior 2-1 in quarterfinal action earlier this month.